For months I have been wanting to make this post after I made the switch last March from tampons and liners to a menstruation cup. I hated pads, they always felt like I was wearing a diaper. Not to mention in the summer, when it’s hot and sweaty. Ew, no thanks. Tampons did make my periods better and gave me more freedom but there were times they were just uncomfortable, like inside and they can leak. Liners where for the days I knew it will be starting or at the end.
Soo what is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.
How to use a menstrual cup
If you’re interested in using a menstrual cup, talk with your gynecologist. You can buy one on online or in most stores, you need to find out what size you need. Most menstrual cup brands have a small and large size.
To figure out the right menstrual cup size for you, you and your doctor should consider:
- your age
- length of your cervix
- whether or not you have a heavy flow
- firmness and flexibility of the cup
- cup capacity
- strength of your pelvic floor muscles
- if you’ve given birth vaginally
Smaller menstrual cups are usually recommended for women younger than 30 years old who haven’t delivered vaginally. Larger sizes are often recommended for women who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally, or have a heavier period.
Before you put in your menstrual cup
When you use a menstrual cup for the first time, it may feel uncomfortable. Before you put in your cup, lubricate the rim with water or a water-based lube (lubricant). A wet menstrual cup is much easier to insert.
How to put in your menstrual cup
If you can put in a tampon, you should find it easy to insert a menstrual cup. Just follow these steps :
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Apply water or a water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
- Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up.
- Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
- Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. It will spring open to create an airtight seal that stops leaks.
You shouldn’t feel your menstrual cup if you’ve inserted the cup correctly. You should also be able to move, jump, sit, stand, and do other everyday activities without your cup falling out. If you’re having trouble putting in your cup, speak with your doctor.
When to take your menstrual cup out
You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether or not you have a heavy flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection.
You should always remove your menstrual cup by the 12-hour mark. If it becomes full before then, you’ll have to empty it ahead of schedule to avoid leaks.
How to take your menstrual cup out
To take out a menstrual cup, just follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina. Pull the stem of the cup gently until you can reach the base.
- Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup.
- Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet.
- Rise well and make sure to clean any groves.
Cup aftercare
Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted into your vagina. Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care.
How much does it cost?
Menstrual cups are more cost-effective than tampons and pads. You can pay roughly $20 to $40 for a cup and not have to purchase another one for at least six months. Tampons and pads can cost up to $50 to $150 a year, depending on how often, long, and heavy your period is.
My thoughts
Since I have made the switch to my Diva Cup. Holy Balls! It has been a life changing experience. I hardly feel the cup, once I trimmed the stem and it settles in. Honesty I forget sometime I have my period. The best part, absolutely no leaks. Let me say that again. No Leaks. Nothing. You can wear your cute undies and not worry about ruining them. Or the bed sheets. Unless it wasn’t inserted right. Which does happen sometimes and is easy to fix by reinserting.
I have also saved so much money since buying and switching from tampons and liners to my diva cup. You also save on creating zero waste for the environment, since it is reusable. There is much lower chance of Toxic Shock Syndrome, since it is being collected and not absorbed. I really only have to empty it once in the morning and once before bed. I love mine. I can’t express it enough.
I will admit I still have liners tampons leftover from when I was using them and I had stocked up on them. I gave a majority of them to family members. I did keep some for my purse just in case my period starts early and I happen to be out and bout. Since last March I’ve only had to use them once, because it decided to start like 3-4 days early and I don’t like the idea of tossing my cup in my purse, even in its little bag or wearing it days before.
I have said this before but I love mine. It was worth the try and switching. I will never go back to tampons. Ever. I feel any one with a vagina should at lest give a mensural cup a try.
Thanks for reading!
Life by Sunburnt Aloe 
I made the switch to cups and cloth pads almost a year ago and I don’t think I’ll ever willingly go back to disposables. It is cleaner and more budget-friendly. I actually chose the Dutchess cup, which was about $15 total for two cups. I may try a different brand in the future, but I have a lot of appreciation for the cup. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard of menstruation cups before, but never really looked into them. Perhaps I need to look into them more. My cycles are so heavy that I can’t go out and I got through about 12 to 20 pads a day. It is very expensive. I may ask my gynecologist about them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is worth a try. I love mine.
LikeLike
This is legit awesome! I’ve been hearing so many good things but I haven’t understood how it works. Thank you for sharing. xoxo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for this post! I’ve always been curious about menstruation cups as they are better for the environment and your budget. This post was really informative; I’ll have to look into getting one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Im glad you think so!
LikeLike
I love my diva cup! I bought it almost 3 years ago! I also love knowing how great it is for the environment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gr8 informative post. Loved it. Menstruation cups are environmentally friendly as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
I’ll be honest I’ve never ever tried one of these but definitely would be up for trying it out. I think it’s great that people like you are so open to share your experience with these! Thank you for sharing 😊
Ashleigh x
http://www.thestoryofashleighdavis.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s worth the try! 😊
LikeLike
Thanks for this post. I’ve made a resolution to be more sustainable in 2019 so I’ve bought a moon cup to try. My big question for cup users is whether they’ve ever tried using one for swimming? Or do you have to use tampons then?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve gone swimming with mine. I had no issues. 😊
LikeLike
Such a helpful post! I’ve heard of menstruation cups for ages, but was really unclear about what they were/how they worked exactly. Thanks for clearing that up and for so much useful info!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad this helped you!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and tips. I’ve been looking at using a menstruation cup myself for a while and your advice had helped sway my mind
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. I’ve always been a tampon type of person though. I never knew the cups existed. Good share! Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is new to me! I have never heard of them before. Maybe I will try them in the future..
xoxo
LikeLike
Im so interested in cups but am so hesitant to try one
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been so intrigued by these for a while now, I’m so thankful you wrote this post as I have not met anyone who has used one as yet. I love the no leaks part!!! I’m going to have to take the plunge and try a menstrual cup for myself xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love mine! Been using it for a couple of years. I got it because I moved into an old house and the old owner said that you absolutely could not flush tampons. Well putting them in the trash was gross to me, so I made the switch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the fantastic article on menstrual cups. I can now start making plans on getting myself one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad it helped!
LikeLike
I really want to start using a menstruation cup, but I’m so afraid I won’t manage to use it lol I don’t know why it seems a little tricky to use haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow this was pretty interesting. I never knew this existed! Lately I’ve been over the idea is the tampons and pads, I agree it feel likes a nasty soggy diaper, definitely in the warmer weather. The entire concept is gross to me. But, this menstration cup sounds wonderful. You did a great job explaining everything also! Thanks for educating us ladies 🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heard about menstrual cups ages ago, but was too afraid to take the plunge. I never fully mastered using a tampon and so I’ve been using pads, which I now find insanely annoying.
With all the positive reviews, I think I’ll have to at least give it a try though.
Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
I’m so glad to be seeing more posts on things like this on the internet! I recently switched to a menstrual cup and though I’m still getting used to it it has been so useful! I mostly use it whilst travelling or days I know to get to a toilet to change a pad or tampon quickly will be tricky. So much better for the environment and cost-effective also!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Jess || http://www.secretdiaryofjess.com ♡
LikeLike